The calm before the storm: Infendo’s E3 2014 predictions

E3 2014 is upon us, which is a blessing (and a curse for the stress and writing workload) for many game journalists and bloggers like us at Infendo. In a span of a few short days, Nintendo will be unveiling new games for the Wii U and 3DS and possibly some other surprises along the way. The excitement and anticipation alone has made myself included continue to dub E3 “Gamer Christmas.”

We have already shared our in-depth E3 predictions on a massive two-hour long episode of Infendo Radio last week, but we also left out some other details (yes, a two-hour show and we forgot some other information).

So, in the lieu of a massive E3 wish list, the crew at Infendo Radio (Lewis, Holly, Colin, and myself) have put together a short (somewhat, on my part) list of predictions. These predictions are split into two categories: Pipe Dream/Unlikely Scenario and Safe Bet scenario. We hope you enjoy the fun that is E3 next week with the constant streaming and refreshing of one’s Internet browser.

In addition to our predictions, what do you hope to see Nintendo unveil at E3 2014 (following our category system, of course)? Tell us in the comments below.

Hit the jump to see the Infendo Radio crew’s E3 predictions.

-Harrison Milfeld

Pipe Dream E3 Prediction: E3 is a time where one’s hopes and dreams for that one game they desire are instantly crushed with either a bad press conference or a terrible demonstration. With that in mind, throwing reality out the window in favor of bold and off-the-wall predictions is what makes the pre-E3 madness so much entertaining.For my dream E3 announcement, let’s start with the return of a long-dormant franchise, Star Tropics. The series got its start on the NES and hasn’t seen another installment since the early 1990s. I once wrote about Star Tropics for Pure Nintendo for a feature titled “Nintendo Franchises That Need A Comeback.” In the article, the game dominated the page spread where I wrote in-depth about how the Wii U and Nintendo’s lack of sci-fi franchises not named Metroid or Star Fox were made for Star Tropics. Not only that, but it would add an intriguing sci-fi counterpart to the fantasy and whimsy of The Legend of Zelda franchise.

Asking for such an obscure title/cult classic to make a welcome return is in itself a pipe dream, but I always hold out for hope, much like my desire for full-fledged Pokemon MMORPG. But, you all have heard me whine about that concept time and time again on the podcast, so I’ll shut up and dream about ways Nintendo can crash the world’s Internet service with one fell swoop.

It must be done, Nintendo!

Safe Bet E3 Prediction: Getting back into reality, we can expect the usual kinds of surprises from Nintendo. With Smash Bros. for the Wii U getting its own live-streamed tournament in Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre, we can expect more character announcements. Look to see old staples such as Captain Falcon, Ness, Wario, and maybe Jigglypuff to make a return.

As for new characters? Well, as much as my heart demands Ridley to be a playable character (and no, he isn’t too big. His size can be compensated much like Bowser’s), I’m gonna go ahead and say Wonderful 101’s Wonder Red will make his debut to the Smash roster. Other reveals may happen during the Digital Event, but I could see Sakurai waiting a little longer to show off new characters.

In addition, we’ll see the previously announced titles from past Nintendo Directs. Monolith Soft’s X will get an official name and release window, Yarn Yoshi will finally make an appearance, a short teaser for the next-gen Zelda for the Wii U will be shown, Smash release window, Bayonetta 2’s release date, Miyamoto’s new IP, Gamecube games on the Virtual Console will be unveiled with prices and multiple control options, and we may see another HD remake of a classic Gamecube title. My guess on that final item? Super Mario Sunshine.

As far as new games? I think the time is right for both Star Fox and Metroid to make their proper returns. The unannounced 3DS title Nintendo has mentioned that they’ll do a special Q&A for is puzzling to decipher, but my money is on Metroid. The series has been put on the backburner since the poor financial and commercial release of Other M in 2010. It makes sense that with Nintendo virtually on their own in terms of providing software for a fledgling console that they bring out the big guns. The same goes for Star Fox, which has an audience and a legion of fans clamoring for a follow-up or possibly a franchise reboot.

Even if it’s not those two are no-shows at E3, we can count on Nintendo making at least one dormant franchise make its Wii U or 3DS debut. Now, excuse me while I write-up my annual Half-Life 3 hype train piece that usually gets recycled.

-Lewis Pugh

Pipe Dream E3 Prediction: Being the Nintendo-optimistic guy I am, I have huge expectations for E3 this year, as always. So for my dream E3 predictions let’s split this into console and portable.

Lets start with the 3DS. I’m a big Advance Wars fan, and with the latest installment of Fire Emblem by Intelligent Systems being critically acclaimed and selling well I’m hoping a modified version of the same turn based engine is being crafted into the next Advance Wars release. There’s some precedent with a Days of Ruin getting released on the Japanese eShop and the original Advance Wars being re-released globally for the GBA Virtual Console on Wii U. I’m not sure Advance Wars needs the increased production values that Fire Emblem Awakening received, but I would like to see what they could do to evolve the franchise: a more robust multiplayer mode that includes asynchronous multiplayer with sleep mode alerts. It would make it the perfect game for me.

Wii U is jam packed with features and is full of potential. We know there’s big things in the works for NFC figures, not just for one game but figures will be comparable with many games. However my Wii U prediction today is for a game that takes advantage of the GamePad screen (and possible a second GamePad also) bringing back an idea that took advantage of GBA to Gamecube connectivity before. Produced by Nintendo, a new Four Swords-like game (or possibly even the next full-fledge Zelda will incorporate this) reworked for two characters instead of four players will be able to co-operate to solve puzzles using the different views showing each player unique information. Like Four Swords, there will also be a competitive element and you can use your own view to your own advantage. For example, find a secret area and emptying it for rupees without your partner realizing.

What Lewis really meant is that he wants a UK release of the Advance Wars board game.

Safe Bet E3 Prediction:For my E3 safe bet, let’s talk NFC. We know it’s at the show, and what game makes more sense than Smash Bros.? Figures would likely match to the playable character and let you store customized information and possibly unlock alternative outfits. I think we will see a new party game using NFC that will let you (and your local friends) play as any character you have a figure for and will be more like Mario Party than Nintendo Land.

-Holly Fellmeth

Pipe Dream E3 Prediction: My dream game announcement at E3 2014 would be a follow-up to Kid Icarus: Uprising. Masahiro Sakurai, who directed Uprising, has said that he doesn’t have plans to work on a sequel to the game, but that doesn’t mean someone else couldn’t helm a sequel. The game, of course, would be for Wii U, and it would expand on the story and world from Uprising. The controls would be given an overhaul as well. The witty dialogue and heart-pounding action would remain.

That joyful face says, “Give me a new gig, Nintendo!”

Safe Bet E3 Prediction:Maybe I’m way off the mark here, but I’m pretty sure there will be an announcement at Nintendo’s E3 of a new Pokemon game for Wii U. It will probably have NFC functionality, and it might even be compatible with the figures from Pokemon Rumble U (though I’m not sure gamers would find that comforting at all). Ideally (to me anyway), the new game will be a way to connect with Pokemon X, Y, AlphaSapphire, and OmegaRuby, but it will have a solo adventure mode like in Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness for Gamecube.

-Colin Crompton

Pipe Dream E3 Prediction: On the back of the unexpected success of Fire Emblem: Awakening, Intelligent Systems have been working over time on a follow-up title for the 3DS. Next Level will be tackling another dormant Nintendo franchise with a new Wario Land game. Metroid Dread for Wii U would be a very surprising announcement, but I think Retro Studios has been working on this project since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in secret. Golden Sun for 3DS its not going to happen, but I like to think it is. My real long shot is (and if Nintendo announce this I will cry)…………..Wii Vet!!!

Geeze, the Space Pirates sure do make some empty promises.

Safe Bet E3 Prediction:What I think will show up at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo is, of course, Zelda, where we’ll definitely see a trailer and the full title for the game. But we will not get a release date. Instead we will get a release window. I think Q2 2015 for Zelda Wii U. Also, Majora’s Mask for 3DS.

We will also see a trailer for a sequel to Super Mario 3D Land (on the 3DS obviously) with Yoshi as a playable character. We will get release dates for Bayonetta 2, Monolith Soft’s X, Smash Bros. as well as a western release date for Hyrule Warriors and finally a trailer showcasing Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, explaining what the game actually is. Finally, I think third-parties will have a very small presence during Nintendo’s Digital Event.

Harrison Milfeld is a writer, editor, and freelance journalist from Missouri. Ever since he could walk, Harrison has been an avid fan of the world of Nintendo. For years, he has purchased every one of the company's subsequent products (yes, including the Virtual Boy and eReader). It wasn't until he was a young teen when he bought a PS2 that he began to embrace cross-console relations, a decision he doesn't regret. When he's not gaming, Harrison is looking to break into the magazine journalism industry and realize his dream of becoming a features reporter.